How to Glue Pewter

Most artists have, at one time or another, had a problem with broken models. Wood, plastic, clay and glass models repair relatively easily with regular school or wood glue. These substances are relatively light and have rough surfaces when they break or are broken on purpose, giving the glue something to grip and little resistance from weight.

Metal, especially pewter, repairs less easily. Pewter breaks cleanly, leaving two smooth surfaces to join together. It is also a dense heavy metal, meaning that glued pieces are more likely to slide while drying or fall off before the glue can set. An artist must choose his glue carefully when working with pewter.

Things You'll Need

Concentrated glue

Rubbing alcohol

Cotton swabs

Soft cloth

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Clean the pewter with rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton swab with the alcohol and rub it over the pewter, pushing the swab into all the little nooks and cracks in the surface. Dry the piece with a soft, lint-free cloth. This removes dirt, grime and oil that could prevent the two surfaces from meeting and binding together.

Choose a concentrated glue. Miracle Glue advertises that the solvents in the formula are distilled out to create a stronger bonding compound. Find glue marked with similar claims or purchase glue made specifically for pewter and other metal. Most are available at craft stores.

Apply glue to the pewter with the pointed applicator on the container. Do not use a cotton swab or your finger to spread the glue; use the tip of the bottle. Lint from the swab will stick in the glue and make an uneven bond; the glue may also cling to your skin for several days if you let it harden on your finger.

Stick the two pieces of pewter together and hold them tight and still for 20 to 30 seconds. Gently lay the piece down; it should hold together. If it doesn’t, adjust and hold it together for another 30 seconds. Let the bonded piece lay undisturbed overnight to dry.